Communication system for providing information on position of communication party

ABSTRACT

A method for providing location information. In the method a demand of providing location information of a terminal of a second user is accepted from a terminal of a first user. An approval of the location information provided to a terminal of the second user is requested, which depends on a request of providing the location information. A reply for approving providing the location information is received from the second terminal. Map information of the first and the second user which includes each other&#39;s location information is then generated, the location information which was provided from the first and second user&#39;s terminal is synthesized, and map data chosen based on the location information from the data base, when providing the location information, is approved. The generated map information is displayed at least on the first user&#39;s terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior PCT Application PCT/JP00/06717 filed Sep. 28, 2000, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a communication system for providinglocation information depending on a demand of a user, of a mobilecommunication terminal such as a cellular phone, a PHS, a PDA and a PC.

In communication systems like a PHS, a service is available which willannounce a users' terminal location between users of the communicationonly when a special contract is made in advance. However, it cannot besaid that all users can use this service easily. In addition, locationinformation of a user who participates in this special service isdistributed only to another party, and is displayed on a map, via theInternet or a facsimile. Therefore, it cannot show a relative relationwith respect to one's location and a location of another party.Accordingly, the system is insufficient for providing relative locationinformation.

Furthermore, a facsimile and the Internet are communication devices thatare mainly put in homes. When a user wants to use this service outsidethe home, the user must have access to devices which are most commonlyfound at home. Therefore, this service has severe limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the aim of the present invention to provide a communication systemwhich can solve the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a communicationsystem, comprises: (a) a database configured to store various map datawhich is synthesized location information of at least two terminalsconnected through a communication line; (b) a demand module configuredto demand an approval from a first user to a second user, to provide thesecond user's location information; (c) a generating module configuredto generate the first and the second user's map information whichincludes each user's location information, synthesizes the locationinformation provided from the first and the second user's terminal, andmap data which is chosen based on the location information from thedatabase, when approval from the second user has been provided; and (d)a transmitting module configured to transmit the generated mapinformation to at least the terminal of the first user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a communicationsystem, further comprises: (a) a detecting module configured to detect anecessity of updating the first and the second user's locationinformation; (b) an updating module configured to update the first andthe second user's location information, when necessity of updating thelocation information is detected; wherein, (c) the generating moduleupdates the map information by using the updated location information;and (d) the transmitting module transmits the updated map information toat least the first user's terminal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a communicationsystem, the transmitting module transmits the generated map informationto the second user's terminal when the second user requires transmissionof the generated map information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a communicationsystem, further comprises a notifying module configured to notify animpossibility of providing the second user's location information to thefirst user's terminal when the second user does not approve of providingthe position information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a communicationsystem, comprises: (a) a database configured to store various map datato synthesize a terminal's location information of the terminalconnected through a communication line to the database; (b) a demandmodule configured to demand an approval from a first user to a seconduser, to provide the second user's location information; and (c) atransmitting module configured to transmit location information providedfrom the terminal of the first and the second user; and map data chosenbased on the location information from the database, which are necessaryfor the terminal to generate map information including the first and thesecond user's location information and transmit the information to thefirst and the second user's terminal, when the second user approves ofproviding the location information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a communicationsystem, further comprises: (a) a detecting module configured to detect anecessity of updating the first and the second user's locationinformation; and (b) an updating module configured to update the firstand the second user's location information, when the necessity ofupdating the location information is detected; wherein, (c) thetransmitting module configured to transmit the updated map informationto the first and the second user's terminals.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a communicationsystem, further comprises a notifying module configured to notify animpossibility of providing the second user's location information to thefirst user's terminal, when the second user does not approve ofproviding the location information.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a method forproviding location information, comprises: (a) accepting a demand ofproviding location information of terminals of a second user from afirst user; (b) requesting an approval of the location informationproviding to a terminal of a second user, which depends on a request ofproviding the location information; (c) receiving a reply for approvingproviding of the location information, from the second user's terminal;(d) generating map information of the first and the second user whichincludes each user's location information, synthesizing the locationinformation which was provided from the first and the second user'sterminal, and map data chosen based on the location information from thedatabase, when providing of the location information is approved; and(e) displaying the generated map information at least on the firstuser's terminal.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a method forproviding location information, wherein (a) the accepting a demand ofproviding location information includes acquiring a demand of providinglocation information also accepts the first user's location informationwith the demand; and (b) the receiving a reply for approving providingof the location information includes acquiring a reply for approvingproviding the location information also includes acquiring the seconduser's location information with approval, when the second user approvesthe request of providing location information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a method forproviding location information, after displaying the generated mapinformation further comprises: (a) acquiring new location information ofthe first and the second user, when the first and the second user'srequest for updating location information is detected; (b) generatingnew map information, by using the location information which is newlyacquired; and (c) displaying the new generated map information on thefirst and the second user's terminal.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in a methodfor providing location information, the request for updating locationinformation is determined by whether a moving distance of the first andthe second user surpasses predetermined value.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in a method forproviding location information, the request for updating locationinformation is detected at predetermined time intervals from a point ofthe second user' approval.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a method forproviding location information, further comprises, after receiving areply for approving providing of the location information, impossibilityof providing the location information of the second user is notified tothe first user's terminal when the second user does not approve theproviding the position information.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a method foracquiring location information, comprises: (a) requesting to acquirelocation information of a terminal of another person; and (b)displaying, on one's terminal, map information which includes eachlocation information of oneself and another person, which is generatedby synthesizing location information transmitted from each terminal ofoneself and another person and map data chosen based on the locationinformation, when a request of the location information of anotherperson is approved.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a method foracquiring location information, wherein the one's location informationis transmitted with the request for acquiring the location information,the transmission of the another person's location information istransmitted with approval, when the another person approves the requestfor acquiring the location information.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a method foracquiring location information, comprises: (a) receiving a request toacquire one's location information by another person through a terminal;(b) determining whether the demand of the location informationacquisition can be approved; and (c) displaying, on one's terminal, mapinformation which includes each location information of oneself and theanother person, which is generated by synthesizing location informationtransmitted from each terminal of oneself and the another person and mapdata which based on the location information, when the request of thelocation information acquisition is approved.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in a methodfor acquiring location information, the another person's locationinformation is transmitted with the request for acquiring the locationinformation, the transmission of one's location information istransmitted with approval, when one approves the request for acquiringthe location information.

According to a eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a memorystoring a program for controlling a computer comprising a database forstoring various map data synthesized a terminal's location information,connected through a communication line, and a providing the terminal'slocation information, the computer program comprising the instructionsof: (a) accepting a request of providing location information of aterminal of a second user from a terminal of a first user; (b)requesting an approval of providing the location information to thesecond user's terminal, which depends on a request of providing thelocation information; (c) receiving a reply for approving providing ofthe location information from the second user's terminal; (d) generatingmap information of the first and the second user which includes eachuser's location information, synthesizing the location information whichwas provided from the first and the second user's terminal, and map datachosen based on the location information from the database, whenproviding of the location information is approved; and (e) displayinggenerated map information at least on the first user's terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which shows a complete communication system,according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an illustration which shows the appearance of terminal 12 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an illustration which shows elements of terminal 12 of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration which shows location information sequence of acommunication system, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart which shows operation of location informationservice server 18 in location information providing sequence, shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart which shows operation of a service demand user'sterminal 12 in location information providing sequence, shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart which shows operation of a service demandeduser's terminal 12 in location information providing sequence, shown inFIG. 3.

FIGS. 7A through 7E are illustrations to show the screen image of auser's terminal 12, which the image is provided from locationinformation service server 18.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows a complete communication system,according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows a complete communication system,according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram which shows a complete communication systemrelated to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that the sameor similar reference numerals are applied to the same or similar partsand elements throughout the drawings, and the description of the same orsimilar parts and elements will be omitted or simplified.

In the following descriptions, numerous specific details are set forthsuch as specific signal values, etc. to provide a through understandingof the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilledin the art that the present invention may be practiced without suchspecific details.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

(1. Constitution)

(1.1 Constitution of the Whole System)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which shows a complete communication systemrelated to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1,plural terminals 12 are connected to a telecommunication carrier 10.

Telecommunication carrier 10 provides connection service between pluralterminals 12. The users subscribe to the carrier by contract prior toreceiving the connection service.

Furthermore, when the telecommunication carrier 10 receives a requestfor the location information service from a user (the user is referredto as “a service demand user” in the following), the carrier 10 provideslocation information of other users (the other user is referred to as “aservice demanded user” in the following) to the service demand user,when the service demanded user approves of providing the locationinformation.

Telecommunication carrier 10 includes, for example; data communicationsnetwork 14 which can packet transmission data; base station 16 whichconnects to data communications network 14 through radio-frequencytransmission between each user's terminal 12; and location informationservice server 18 which manages the location information providingservice.

The location information service server 18 comprises map synthesizingdevice 20 which prepares or composes location information which is sentby each terminal 12 and map data prepared in advance; and a map datadatabase (map data DB) 22 which stores various map data.

The location information service server 18 includes, for example,general-purpose computers which are provided with a high-capacity memorydevice. This high-capacity memory device is, for example, a hard disk ora MO disk. One part of the storage area of this high-capacity memorydevice has the map data DB 22.

The location information service server 18 requests the approval of thelocation information providing service from the service demanded userwhen the service demand user asks for location information providingservice.

In other words, the location information service server 18 confirmswhether the service demanded user will be able to provide the servicedemanded user's location information to the service demand user. Theserver 18 can provide the service demanded user's location informationto the service demand user when the service demanded user approves ofproviding such information.

Map synthesizing device 20 of location information service server 18acquires each location information from each of service demand user'sterminal 12 and the service demanded user. The device 20 specifieslocations of a service demand user and a service demanded user based onthe location information on map data which is registered in map data DB22 in advance. Each synthesized location information like this, isbrought back to the terminals of the service demand user and a servicedemanded user again. The map synthesizing device 20 can be provided bymeans of, for example, software and programs in hardware.

(1.2 Constitution of Terminal 12)

Firstly, terminal 12 is a portable radio terminal, such as a cellularphone, a PHS, a PC and a PDA, which comprises a radio communicationfunction to connect to a base station 16 of telecommunication carrier10. As shown in FIG. 2A, the surface of terminal 12 has a display unit24 for displaying various kinds of information and input device 26 forinputting various kinds of instructions.

Furthermore, in the second, terminal 12 comprises location searchfunction for detecting a present location of terminal 12.

This location search function is achieved, for example, by using the GPS(Global Positioning System) which can recognize a reception locationprecisely through a satellite signal detected by a plurality of man-madesatellites. The measurement principle of the GPS is as follows; bymeasuring the delay time of a transmitted electric wave from plural GPSsatellites which orbit around the earth, a present location of a movablebody on the earth from orbit of a GPS satellite is calculated. By meansof an electric wave, the distance between the three GPS satellites andthe present location of the movable body on the earth is calculated, andthe location of the movable body is determined. In addition, bymeasuring the distance between four GPS satellites and the presentlocation of the movable body on the earth, a distance error caused by aGPS receiver clock's error, can be removed. By using this, correctlatitude, longitude and altitude of the movable body's location on theearth can be determined. To achieve these radio communication functionsand location search functions, terminal 12 comprises at least theelements shown in FIG. 2B.

In other words, terminal 12 comprises at least a GPS aerial 28 forreceiving an electric wave from a GPS satellite; GPS receiver 30 forprocessing the signal which the GPS aerial 28 received; radio aerial 32for transmitting and/or receiving data between base stations; terminalcommunications module 34 for modifying transmitted and/or received datathrough radio aerial 32; central processing unit (CPU) 36 for processingvarious information; display unit 24; and input unit 26. In CPU 36,order memory and data memory are usually provided. The order memorystores programs for achieving at least two functions, in short, a radiocommunication function and a location search function. The CPU 36 loadsprograms according to need, and executes the programs.

(2. Operation)

(2.1 Whole System Operation)

Next, description will be made for location information providingsequence of a communication system related to the first embodiment ofthe present invention, shown in FIG. 3 a.

At first, when a service demand user's terminal 12 makes locationinformation service request (step S101), the location informationservice server 18 requires the phone number of a service demanded user'sterminal 12 to be provided by the service demand user (step S102). Whena service demand user's terminal 12 receives the service demanded user'sphone number, a phone number of a service demanded user's terminal 12 istransmitted to the location information service server 18. At this time,a service demand user's terminal 12 transmits location information whichis provided by the installed GPS function 26,28 simultaneously (stepS103).

When the information providing server 18 receives the phone number ofthe service demanded user's terminal 12 from the service demand user'sterminal 12, the server 18 transmits the phone number of the servicedemand user's terminal 12 to the service demanded user's terminal 12,applies for determining whether the location information service requestis accepted (step S104). At this time, the information service server 18may transmit the service demand user's name instead of the phone numberof the service demand user's terminal 12, because the service demandeduser may not identify the service demand user only by the phone number.

When the service demanded user's terminal 12 receives an inquiry fromthe information service server 18, the service demanded user's terminal12 confirms the phone number and/or the name of the received servicedemand user's terminal 12.

When the location information providing service is approved (step S105),the service demanded user's terminal 12 transmits an approval notice,location information and the necessity of a map display to the locationinformation service server 18 (step S106). The location information ofthe service demanded user's terminal 12 was provided by the GPS function26,28 which is installed in a service demanded user's terminal 12, asdiscussed above, same as the above location information of the servicedemand user's terminal 12. The necessity of a map display means whetherthe service demanded user's terminal 12 needs to display the mapinformation which is provided by the location information service server18. When a map display demand is transmitted, the location informationservice server 18 provides the map information.

Map synthesizing device 20 of the location information service server 18comprises map information from a service demand user and locationinformation which is received from a service demanded user's terminal 12and map data which is stored in the map data DB 22, (step S107). Eachterminal 12 transmits latitude, longitude and altitude of the location,which is provided by the GPS function, so as to provide locationinformation. The map synthesizing device 20 selects map data in the mapdata DB 22, which includes latitude, longitude and altitude of bothusers' terminal. The map synthesizing device 20 generates mapinformation for precisely displaying the locations of both users.

The location information service server 18 transmits the prepared mapinformation to a service demand user's terminal 12 through mapsynthesizing device 20 (step S108), the service demand user's terminal12 displays the map information on the display unit 24 of terminal 12(step S109). The location information service server 18 also transmitsmap information to the service demanded user's terminal 12 which hastransmitted the map display demand in step 106 (step S110). The servicedemanded user's terminal 12 which received map information, displays themap information on the display unit 24 of terminal 12 (step S111).

When the locations of the service demand user and the service demandeduser change at a later time, the location information is provided againto the location information service server 18 (step S112, step S113).The location information service server 18 can collect this new locationinformation from each terminal 12 in every limited time and eachterminal 12 can also transmit the new information of the presentlocation to the location information service server 18.

The map synthesizing device 20 of the location information serviceserver 18 generates the new map information for displaying a servicedemand user's location and a service demanded user's location on thesame map, the information based on each location information which isnewly transmitted (step S114). The location information service server18 again transmits synthesized map information to the service demanduser's terminal 12 through map synthesizing device 20 (step S115). Theservice demand user's terminal 12 displays the map information in thedisplay unit 24 of the terminal 12 (step S116). The location informationservice server 18 also transmits map information to a service demandeduser's terminal 12 (step S117). The service demanded user's terminal 12receives map information and displays the map information on displayunit 24 of terminal 12 (step S118).

(2.2 Operation of Location Information Service Server 18)

Next, operation of the location information service server 18, inlocation information providing sequence shown in FIG. 3, is explained.FIG. 4 is a flow chart which shows operation of the location informationservice server 18 in location information providing sequence shown inFIG. 3.

Firstly, as shown in FIG. 4, the server 18 receives location informationservice request from a service demand user's terminal 12 (step S201).The server 18 requires a phone number of the service demanded user'sterminal 12 to a service demand user's terminal 12 (step S202). Theserver 18 also simultaneously requires location information of theservice demand user's terminal 12.

When the server 18 receives the phone number of the service demandeduser's terminal 12 and the location information of the service demanduser's terminal from the service demand user's terminal 12 (step S203),the server 18 transmits the phone number and/or the name of a servicedemand user's terminal 12 to the service demanded user's terminal 12,for determining whether the location information service request isaccepted (step S204). When a service demanded user does not approve therequest (step S205), a suppression reply is transmitted to the servicedemand user's terminal 12 (step S206 NO) and this operation iscompleted.

On the other hand, when the service demanded user's terminal 12 approvesthe request (step S205 YES), location information service server 18confirms the necessity of a map display to the service demanded user(step S207) and furthermore, acquires the location information of theservice demanded user's terminal 12 (step S208).

The map synthesizing device 20 composes map information, which shows thelocation of the service demand user and the location of the servicedemanded user on the same map, from the location information which wasreceived from each terminal 12 of the service demanded user and theservice demand user, and map data in map data DB 22 (step S209). Theserver 18 transmits the synthesized map information to the servicedemand user's terminal 12 and also the service demanded user's terminal12 which is offered the map display demand (step S210).

At least one of the service demand user's terminal 12 or the servicedemanded user's terminal 12 acquires a new location information (stepS211 YES), and the operation returns to the step S209 again, and new mapinformation is composed. For obtaining this new location information,for example, location information service server 18 can obtain theinformation from a service demand user's terminal 12 and a servicedemanded user's terminal 12 in a limited time. On the contrary, eachterminal 12 can transmit the information to location information serviceserver 18. When the service demand user's terminal 12 or the servicedemanded user's terminal 12 transmit a demand for cancellation oflocation information service, of course, further new locationinformation will not be acquired. In addition, after starting oflocation information service, if the new location information is notacquired automatically in a limited time, the location informationproviding service can be completed. When the new location information isnot acquired (step S211 NO), this operation is completed.

(2.3 Operation of terminal 12 of service demand user)

Next, operation of a service demand user's terminal 12 in locationinformation providing sequence shown in FIG. 3 is described. FIG. 5 is aflow chart which shows operation of a service demand user's terminal 12in location information providing sequence shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 5, when location information service request is transmitted tolocation information service server 18 (step S301), the locationinformation service server 18 demands the transmission of a phone numberof a service user's terminal 12 (step S302). At this time, serviceserver 18 provides a screen image, for example shown in FIG. 7A, to theservice demand user's terminal 12. Display unit 24 of terminal 12Adisplays the provided screen image.

The service demand user inputs a phone number of a service demandeduser's terminal 12, for example, on the screen image shown in FIG. 7Athrough input device 26. The terminal 12 transfers the input phonenumber to location information service server 18 (step S303). At thistime, the terminal 12 also transfers the location informationsimultaneously to the server 18.

When the service demand user receives a suppression reply from theservice demanded user through the location information service server 18(step S304 YES), this operation is completed. At this time, locationinformation service server 18 provides a screen image, for example,shown in FIG. 7B to terminal 12. Display unit 24 of terminal 12 displaysthe provided screen image. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7B, if aservice demanded user does not approve the request, the suppression ofthe request does not need to be announced.

On the other hand, when a suppression reply is not transmitted (stepS304 NO), location information service server 18 transmits mapinformation which shows both locations, thus, the service demand user'sterminal 12 and the service demanded user's terminal 12 receive theinformation (step S305). Display unit 24 of both terminals 12 displaysthe map information, for example as shown in FIG. 7C (step S306). Thismap information can express not only a present location which isdisplayed on each terminal 12, but also a reduced scale of the displayedmap, a slant distance between each of the terminals 12, a direction, arunning speed of user of each terminal 12, and an expected time untileach of the terminals 12 meet, and so on. The various types ofinformation are calculated based on location information which isprovided by a GPS function which is installed in each of the terminal12.

Furthermore, when transmission of new location information is necessary(step S307 YES), the service demand user's terminal 12 transmits a newlocation information to location information service server 18 (stepS308), this operation can return to Step S305 again. On the other hand,when additional transmission of location information is unnecessary(step S307 NO), this sequence is completed.

(2.4 Operation of Terminal 12 of Service Demanded User)

Next, operation of a service demanded user's terminal 12 in locationinformation providing sequence shown in FIG. 3 is explained. FIG. 6 is aflow chart which shows operation of a service demanded user's terminal12 in location information providing sequence shown in FIG. 3.

At first, as shown in FIG. 6, a service demanded user's terminal 12receives an inquiry of location information service request from thelocation information service server 18 (step S401). At this time,location information service server 18 provides, for example, a screenimage shown in FIG. 7D, to a service demanded user's terminal 12. Theservice demanded user's terminal 12A shows the provided screen imageshown in FIG. 7D on display unit 24. The service demanded user inputs,for example, whether the user approves the location information serviceor not, into the screen image of FIG. 7D on display unit 24, throughinput device 26.

As shown in FIG. 7D, a phone number of the service demand user'sterminal 12 appears in this screen image. The service demanded userspecifies the service demand user by considering this phone number, andassesses whether the location information service should be approved.Therefore, a service demanded user does not need to approve locationinformation service, for example, when the user does not want to tellthe location to the specified service demand user. In FIG. 7D, only aphone number of the service demand user appears. Actually, however, itis difficult to specify a service demand user only by the phone number.Therefore, this location information service server 18 can show aservice demand user's name as well as a phone number simultaneously.

And when the service demanded user does not approve (step S402 NO), thissequence is completed. On the other hand, when it is approved (step S402YES), the service demanded user's terminal 12 transfers an approvalnotice to location information service server 18. Furthermore, theservice demanded user's terminal 12 also transfers location informationwhich is given by the GPS function 28,30 which is installed in terminal12, and the necessity of a map display which shows map information,simultaneously. In the case of the transmission of the necessity of thismap display, for example, location information service server 18transfers a screen image shown in FIG. 7 to the terminal 18. If thenecessity of map display demand (FIG. 7E YES) is transmitted, locationinformation service server 18 provides map information which shows boththe user's location and the service demand user's location. On thecontrary, if the map display is unnecessary and this information istransmitted (FIG. 7E NO), the map information is not provided to theservice demanded user's terminal 12.

If map display is necessary (step S404 YES), map information, whichshows both the service demand user location and the service demandeduser's location, is transmitted by the location information serviceserver 18 (step S405). The map information is displayed, as shown inFIG. 7C, on display unit 24 of terminal 12 (step S406).

If the necessity of map display is transmitted (step S404 YES), locationinformation service server 18 transmits the map information fordisplaying both locations of the service demand user and the servicedemanded user (step S405). Display unit 24 of terminal 12 shows mapinformation as shown in FIG. 7C FIG. 7C. On the other hand, if the mapdisplay is unnecessary and this information is transmitted (step S404NO), and step S405 and step S406 are not executed.

Furthermore, if the transmission of new location information isnecessary (step S407 YES), the service demanded user's terminal 12transmits the new location information to location information serviceserver 18 (step S408) and returns to Step S404 again. On the other hand,if the transmission of location information is no longer necessary (stepS407 NO), this sequence is completed.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Next, description will be made for the second embodiment of the presentinvention. In the first embodiment, location information service server18 of telecommunication carrier 10 generates map information to aservice demanded user's terminal 12 and a service demand user's terminal12. In the second embodiment, on the other hand, each terminal 12synthesizes each location information and map data, and generates mapinformation.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows all elements of a communicationsystem related to the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 8, telecommunication carrier 10 connects to plural terminals 12 thesame as in the first embodiment.

Terminals 12, related to the second embodiment of the present invention,comprise a map synthesizing module for composing map information fromthe map data which are transmitted by location information serviceserver 18, and each location information of a service demand user'sterminal 12 and a service demanded user's terminal 12. In other words,terminals 12, related to the second embodiment, are preinstalled withmap synthesizing programs for providing a function which is the same asthe map synthesizing device 20 of the first embodiment. For example,order memory, installed in the CPU 36 of FIG. 2B, stores the mapsynthesizing program.

When a service demand user's terminal 12, related to the secondembodiment of the present invention, receives location information of aservice demanded user's terminal 12 and map data from locationinformation service server 18, the CPU 36 executes a map composingprogram stored in terminal 12. The map composing program is executed forcomposing map information from location information of a receivedservice demanded user's terminal 12, map data and location informationof a service demand user's terminal 12. If location information serviceserver 18 transmits map data, the terminals receive the data as vectordata and a great many variations of map information are modified interminals 12. Vector data expresses map data as a physical relationshiplike a road or a building, not as a picture. A size of map informationcan be changed to adapt to a size of a display unit 24 display area ofeach terminal 12. A part of the map information can zoom freely. Only aroad image or a image which includes buildings can be displayed. Thesefunctions are equally provided in a service demanded user's terminal 12.

In the first embodiment, only location information service server 18 oftelecommunication carrier 10 generates map information in thesynthesizing.

In the second embodiment, only a service demand user's terminal 12 and aservice demanded user generates map information in the synthesizing.However, the present invention is not limited in these definedarrangements and synthesizing. For example, only one of the servicedemand user's terminal 12 or the service demanded user's terminal 12 canhave a map information generation function. In this case, the otherterminal 12 which does not have this generation function, requires mapinformation from the location information service server 18.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Next, description will be made for the third embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows elements of acommunication system related to the third embodiment of the presentinvention. In the first and the second embodiment, location informationservice server 18 was provided in the telecommunication carrier 10 whichprovides connection service between user's terminals 12. In other words,they are examples that telecommunication carrier 10 executes locationinformation providing service. In the third embodiment, instead oftelecommunication carrier 10, a service provider that manages locationinformation service server 18 and connects to an open computer network38 like the Internet to execute location information providing serviceis described.

In FIG. 9, plural terminals 12 connect to telecommunication carrier 10the same as in the first and the second embodiments. Communicationnetwork 14 of telecommunication carrier 10 connects to the Internet 38through, for example, gateway 40. Internet 38 connects to locationinformation service server 18 which is managed by a service provider. Ofcourse, the present invention can apply to various computer networks,not only the Internet, for example, also a satellite network or a radionetwork.

Each user of terminal 12 contracts with a provider of locationinformation, in advance. At this point, each user registers a phonenumber of each terminal 12 as a service user. Because of theregistration, this service provider can provide the location informationproviding service, the same as telecommunication carrier 10 of the firstand the second embodiments.

In addition, this service provider can collect necessary information forthe contract, such as a name, an address, an occupation, and alsopersonal information such as a nickname, a hobby, and one's birthday,from each user. In this case, a service demand user can give thispersonal information to the service demanded user who requests his/herlocation information.

It can be determined in advance as to what kind of personal informationis provided to what kind of user. This can provide service for users tobe more interesting and useful.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Now, explanations have been made for the above embodiments of thepresent invention. These embodiments do not limit on the technical scopeof the invention related to this application. Various modifications willbecome possible for those skilled in the art after receiving theteachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scopethereof. The present disclosure is therefore to be consideredillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the present inventionbeing indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the third embodiment, terminal 12can be implemented so as to compose map information in the same manneras the second embodiment. In FIG. 10, map data DB 22 connects toInternet 38 directly, this map data DB 22 comprises not only a storagedevice for composing a database, but also a computer such as a server.

It is clear from description in the claims that such inventions arebelonged to technical scope of the inventions related to thisapplication.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As it is clear from the above-mentioned explanation, according to thepresent invention, location information only about the user who approvesthe request for such information, is provided to a third person.Therefore, the user's location can be prevented from being known toothers against the user's intention. Convenience in communication ofusers will improve because one's location and one's contact person'slocation are displayed on the same map.

1. A method for providing location information, comprising: accepting ademand of providing location information of a terminal of a second userfrom a terminal of a first user; requesting an approval of the locationinformation provided to the terminal of the second user, which dependson a request of providing the location information; receiving a replyfor approving providing of the location information, from the seconduser's terminal; generating map information of the first and the seconduser which includes each user's location information, synthesizing thelocation information which was provided from the first and the seconduser's terminal, and map data chosen based on the location informationfrom the database, when providing of the location information isapproved; displaying the generated map information at least on the firstuser's terminal; acquiring new location information of the first and thesecond user, when the first and the second user's request for updatinglocation information is detected; generating new map information, byusing the location information which is newly acquired; and displayingthe new generated map information on the first and the second user'sterminal, wherein the accepting a demand of providing locationinformation includes acquiring a demand of providing locationinformation also accepts the first user's location information with thedemand; the receiving a reply for approving providing of the locationinformation includes acquiring a reply for approving providing thelocation information also includes acquiring the second user's locationinformation with approval, when the second user approves the request ofproviding location information; and the request for updating locationinformation is detected by whether a moving distance of the first andthe second user surpasses a predetermined value.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising, after receiving a reply for approving providingof the location information, notifying of an impossibility of providingthe location information of the second user to the first user's terminalwhen the second user does not approve the providing the positioninformation.
 3. A method for providing location information, comprising:accepting a demand of providing location information of a terminal of asecond user from a terminal of a first user; requesting an approval ofthe location information provided to the terminal of the second user,which depends on a request of providing the location information;receiving a reply for approving providing of the location information,from the second user's terminal; generating map information of the firstand the second user which includes each user's location information,synthesizing the location information which was provided from the firstand the second user's terminal, and map data chosen based on thelocation information from the database, when providing of the locationinformation is approved; displaying the generated map information atleast on the first user's terminal; acquiring new location informationof the first and the second user, when the first and the second user'srequest for updating location information is detected; generating newmap information, by using the location information which is newlyacquired; and displaying the new generated map information on the firstand the second user's terminal, wherein the accepting a demand ofproviding location information includes acquiring a demand of providinglocation information also accepts the first user's location informationwith the demand; the receiving a reply for approving providing of thelocation information includes acquiring a reply for approving providingthe location information also includes acquiring the second user'slocation information with approval, when the second user approves therequest of providing location information; and the request for updatinglocation information is determined at predetermined time intervals froma point of the second user' approval.
 4. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising, after receiving a reply for approving providing of thelocation information, notifying of an impossibility of providing thelocation information of the second user to the first user's terminalwhen the second user does not approve the providing the positioninformation.
 5. A method for providing a map service to terminals,comprising: receiving a service request from a first terminal, theservice request being accompanied by a first phone number of the firstterminal, a second phone number of the second terminal, and a firstlocation information of the first terminal; transmitting the servicerequest to a second terminal whether a user of the second terminalallows to provide a location information to a user of the firstterminal; receiving an approval message from the second terminal, theapproval message being accompanied by a second location information ofthe second terminal; generating a map data showing both positions of thefirst and second terminals using the first and second locationinformations; and transmitting the map data at least to the firstterminal to be displayed.
 6. A server for providing a map service toradio terminals, comprising: a database storing a map data; acommunication module configured to communicate directly or indirectlywith radio terminals, the radio terminals including at least a firstradio terminal being assigned a first phone number and having a sensorto generate a first location information indicating the location of thefirst radio terminal, and a second radio terminal being assigned asecond phone number and having a sensor to generate a second locationinformation indicating the location of the second radio terminal; aprocessing unit configured to control the data base and thecommunication module and to provide the map service, wherein theprocessing unit includes: a receiving unit configured to receive aservice request from a first radio terminal via the communicationmodule, the service request being accompanied by the first phone numberof the first radio terminal, the second phone number of the second radioterminal, and the first location information of the first radioterminal; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the service requestto the second radio terminal whether a user of the second radio terminalallows to provide the second location information to a user of the firstradio terminal, via the communication module, wherein the servicerequest is accompanied with the first telephone number or a user name ofthe first radio terminal; a message receiving unit configured to receivean approval message from the second radio terminal, the approval messagebeing accompanied by the second location information of the second radioterminal, via the communication module; a map synthesizing unitconfigured to synthesize a map data showing both positions of the firstand second radio terminals with the first and second locationinformations, using the database; and a distributing unit configured todistribute the map data at least to the first radio terminal to bedisplayed, via the communication module.